Just over four months ago, Google opened their virtual doors to the Google Apps Marketplace. The Google push for cloud computing and the more than receptive public took a huge step forward that day. With over 2,000,000 businesses using Google Apps, it only made sense to allow third party developers to assist in making everybody’s life that much easier and efficient.
We all now have more options and flexibility. This seamless cloud workspace with integrated apps now allows us to dismiss passwords and annoying product updates. These apps are accessible from your Google navigational bar and work with your Google Docs, Google Calendar, and Google Contacts. Not surprising, the search capabilities for specific products in the Marketplace are exceptional as you specify the features for which you are looking. From Admin Tools and Project Management products to Google Analytics and Small Business Implementation professional services, it is all in the Marketplace.
According to Lisa Barone on Small Business Trends, about 50 vendors, including large companies such as Intuit, made their apps available on the March 9, 2010 launch of the Google Apps Marketplace. Needless to say, that number has grown significantly since inception. There are nearly 200 different apps vendors in the Productivity products alone. Many small companies have jumped on the Google bandwagon recently, along with well known companies like FreshBooks and MailChimp.
Where are Google and the Google Apps Marketplace heading next? I have no clue, but I look forward in getting lost in the cloud.
posted by Casey Armstrong
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